In Geneva, a Choco Pass allows you to sample chocolates from some of the city’s finest shops. Photo by Pam LeBlanc.
I never had a strong affinity for chocolate, but Geneva boasts a reputation for its exceptional chocolatiers—more than 30 of them, excluding the average shops that sell mass-produced chocolates. So, I decided to treat myself.
For approximately $45 USD, visitors can purchase a Choco Pass, which grants access to sample chocolates from as many as 10 participating shops within a 24-hour period.
Since my husband is a chocolate lover, when our plans for biking and whitewater rafting were washed out by rain, he charted a route that would take us to six different shops.
Our first stop was Martel, a bustling café filled with chocolate enthusiasts. Expecting just a small piece, we were pleasantly surprised when the clerk, upon seeing our Choco Pass, produced a small cellophane bag and selected five exquisite chocolates from a stunning display of handcrafted treats using silver tongs.
I popped a truffle into my mouth, and it melted like butter on my tongue. Excitement surged as I yearned to explore more shops.
Over the next hour, we visited shop after shop, tasting a delightful array of chocolates: passionfruit-infused chocolates, nutty delights, chocolate-covered treats, fruit-filled confections, and even little cups of rich hot chocolate. A few of our favorites included Sweetzerland, Chocolaterie Canonica, and Charlie Ganache.
Choco Passes can be purchased online or at the Tourist Information Centre located at Place de Cornavin 7, 1211 Genève. The voucher is valid for one year from the purchase date and is automatically activated for 24 hours following your first tasting. (Bonus: CHF 1 from each Choco Pass sold is donated to MyClimate’s “Cause We Care” program, supporting climate protection and sustainable tourism in Switzerland.)
For further information, visit the website.
